Turkey develops action plan for renewable energy with EBRD

ISTANBUL

Turkey aims to add 34 GW of hydropower, 20 GW of wind energy, 5 GW of solar energy, 1 GW of geothermal and 1 GW of biomass by 2023. AP photo

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Turkish Energy Ministry are joining forces to develop a renewable-energy action plan, the bank said via written statement Feb. 16.

In a move to grow the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix, increase the security of energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Energy Ministry has developed – with the support of the EBRD – the country’s first National Renewable Energy Action Plan in line with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive.

Turkey has pledged to develop 30 percent of its total installed capacity from renewable sources by 2023. The objective is to add 34 GW of hydropower, 20 GW of wind energy, 5 GW of solar energy, 1 GW of geothermal and 1 GW of biomass. The country also aims to have 10 percent of its transportation sector needs met by renewable energy.

“To achieve this goal Turkey must increase its non-hydro renewables output about sevenfold in less than 10 years. The action plan developed with the EBRD is the guiding document for the Energy Ministry to meet these targets,” read the statement.

“This action plan is a roadmap to a big change. The target is ambitious, but with determined and concerted efforts at all levels of government and with the full participation of the industry, Turkey will be able to unlock its green energy potential. This will have a positive impact on businesses, people’s lives and the environment,” said Terry McCallion, EBRD Director for Energy Efficiency and Climate Change.

To date, the EBRD has directly co-financed the construction of two of the largest wind farms in Turkey: the 142.5 MW Enerjisa Bares wind power plant in Balıkesir and the 135 MW Rotor wind farm in Osmaniye.